Changes during Jacksonian Era?

Question

During the Jacksonian era some major changes started taking place in politics. There were three major changes. One change took place within the voters. A new type of voter emerged. Another change was in the character of political parties. Finally, the role of the President changed. Jackson is seen by many as the start of a stronger role that US President would play. Why did these major changes happen?

Answer 1

Jackson shaped many of these changes by the type person he was. Born a westerner, he mistrusted the more urbane easterners. He believed he was cheated out of winning the 1824 election, and bore a grudge against J.Q. Adams for that. Having been the most important general in the War of 1812, and the one who decisively beat the British at New Orleans, he appreciated the growing power of the United States and what could happen if the country split because of economic or slavery issues. He believed that "cheap money" was good for the people to increase business and home ownership, and did away with the more conservative Bank of the United States in favor of state banks. Unfortunately, the loose practices of these banks led to the Panic of 1837, sort of a forerunner of what we have now with the subprime mortgage mess.